
Qass ObL%_ 

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DELIVERED AT NEW-CASTLE, DEL. 

BY REQUEST OF ^ 

ST. JOHN'S LODGE, No. 2?^^ ^ 

FEBRUARY 22, A. D. 1823. A. L. 5823. 

THE ANNIVERSARY 

OP 
OF 

By brother KENSEY JPTANDYKE, Esa- 

Secretary of St. John's Lodge ^ *N*o. 2. 

WILMIJSTGTOJ^: 

PRINTED BY R. PORTER, O. 97, MARKET-STREET. 

1825. 






■7 nfd" 

At a Special Communication of St. John's Lodge, 

No. 2. HELD at the LoDGE RoOM IN THE ToWN OF 

Ne^^^-Castle, on the 22d of February, A. L. 5823. 

RESOLVED, 

THAT the thanks of this Lodge be presented to Brother 
Kensey J. VanDyke, for the Oration by him this day deli- 
vered, and that Brothers John Crow, George Read, Junior, and 
James Riddle, junior, be and hereby are appointed a Committee 
to procure a copy thereof for publication, 

W ILLIAM T. READ, 

TF. M. of SL John's Lodge, 
Mtest. 

Evan H. Thomas, 

Secretary pro. tern. 



^; ^ ^^jr. r,.^yi^ 



ORATION, &c 



TO cherish thememoi'y of a Benefactor, is the character- 
istic of a generous mind. To commemorate, hy public de- 
monstrations of respect, the virtues of those who have ren- 
dered important services to their country, is a custom ap- 
proved by reason, and sanctioned by the example of all civil- 
ized nations. Hence the Funeral Oration; the Splendid 
Monument; "the Storied Urn, the animated Bust." To 
review occasionally the deeds of renown, the noble sacrifices, 
the expanded benevolence, the maxims of wisdom, which 
render illustrious the name of the Hero, the Patriot, the 
Philanthropist and the Statesman, when they have ceased 
to act on the stage of time, is the most honourable tribute 
that can be paid to their memory, and is fraught with in- 
struction to the living. Such exercises tend to excite a laud- 
able spirit of emulation, and raise the standard of moral 
excellence in the estimation of mankind. 

We are convened by the mandate of our Lodge, to com- 
memorate the dav that gave birth to him whoisdistirguisSicd 
by the enviable title of " Father of his country :" to which 



,^, 



is ever associated in the heart of a Mason, the endearing re- 
collection of an illustrious departed Brother. Assembled 
on such an occasion in a Temple dedicated to the Supreme 
Architect of the universe, under the All-seeing eye that 
rules the destinies of nations, when we contemplate the 
scene of unparalleled prosperity and happiness with which 
our country is blessed, and of which all participate, surely 
every bosom must glow with gratitude, and all hearts unite 
in offering to the Most High, a sincere and willing sacrifice 
of adoration, thanskgiving and praise. 

Should any one, a stranger, to the political institutions of 
the United States, ask what are the distinguishing privileges 
of the American people ? we answer. Liberty and the full 
enjoyment of all the rights of man. The great prize, for 
which France lately fought, and bled at every pore, and ulti- 
mately lost. That for which Greece, once unrivalled in the 
arts and sciences, but long sunk in tlie darkness of barbarous 
despotism, now awaking from her slumbers, is struggling to 
reclaim. Those rights, against which the united arms of 
Emperors, Kings and Nobles, wage a war of extermination, 
and which their councils have conspired to extirpate from the 
soil of Europe. Liberty civil and religious, equality of 
rights, security from oppression, the free choice of our rulers, 
a representative government, freedom of speech and of the 
press, all guaranteed by a written constitution emanating 
from the will of the people, are tlie common birth-right of 



s 



American citizens. We sit beneath our own vine, and gath- 
er the rich reward of our own industry, whilst, around us, 
every thing breathes happiness and peace. 

These constitute the rich inheritance of freedom that has 
descended to the present generation ; and which we are bound 
by the sacred obligations of honour to cherish and guard with 
the utmost vigilance, tliat it may be trasmitteU to posterity 
unsullied and unimpaired. These are the blessings that have 
been purchased by the toils, the sufferings and tlie blood, of 
a band of Patriots, whose chief was Washingtox. 

Less than half a century ago, these States, now free, pow- 
erful, united and happy, were humble, dependent colonies, 
bearing rtiHw^tftnce to Britain, and subservient to the will of 
foreign rulers and hard taskmasters. In the great and bene- 
volent work of emancipating a nation, and erecting a go- 
vernment upon the only basis that reason approves as legiti- 
mate, **the will of the people and pure equality of rights," 
Washington acted a part so pre-eminent, that his name is 
identified with Liberty. Wherever Liberty is invoked, his 
image is associated. His talents as a General, his merits as 
a Statesman, his worth as a man, have been the constant 
theme of eulogy. To every American they are familiar. 
AVe read them in every page of the history of the Revolution. 
In the account of biittles won, armies captured, our Inde- 
pendence established, a new government organized, and faith- 



fiilJy administered under the auspicious influence of his name* 
We feel their salutary effects, in the progressive improvement 
of our country in the arts and sciences^ We feel their happy 
influence, in the respect of foreign nations ; in the enjoyment 
of peace in our borders, plenty throughout the land 5 union 
harmony and concord among the people. In truth, the biogra- 
phy of Washington in his public character, is the history of 
the American nation. 

By contemplating the condition of Man under other gov- 
ernments, we learn rightly to appreciate the blessings of our 
own. From this picture of political security and happiness, 
drawn from real life in the United States, so consoling to the 
heart of the philanthropist, and exceeding even his fondest 
anticipations, we turn to survey the state of miuiii ii^Europe. 
How great the contrast ! Government there, does not ema- 
nate from the people. All power has been wrested from 
them, and is usurped by one man, or divided among a few 
distinguished by birth or title. Tbe people regarded as the 
property of the Monarch and vassals of the Nobles, are com- 
pelled to contribute their hard-earned substance to support 
a despot's throne, and are sacrificed, at his pleasure, in 
wars of ambition. To discuss the rights of man, to as- 
sert that the people are sovereign, and entitled to elect such 
form of government as they deem best calculated to advance 
their happiness, is miscalled Treason, and visited with the 
utmost indignation of the usurper. For this offence many 



an innocent victim has been immolated. For this unpardon- 
able sin, Greece now suffers all the cruelty and outrage that 
Turkish Despotism can inflict. Greece, at whose name, a 
thousand endearing recollections arise : Where Genius first 
raised the noblest monuments of art : The native land of 
Homer, of Socrates, of Plato, and a multitude of great men 
whose abilities or virtues ensure to their names imperishable 
honor. Greece justly claims the respect, the love and the ad- 
miration of every age. Read the history of her present suf- 
ferings, in the carnage and desolation of Scio ; in the horrors 
of conflagration and indiscriminate murder by the mandate 
of the relentless despot of Constantinople. These scenes, at 
the recital of which every feeling of humanity i^evolts, are 
now exhibiting before the eyes of mighty Emperors, Kings, 
and Potentates, calling themselves Christians, and impi- 
ously assuming the confederated name of << The Holy Alli- 
ance :" Before whom the Ottoman power trembles ; whose 
frown alone would paralize the arm of the oppressor, and 
restore to peace and liberty tlie struggling patriots of Greece. 
But their policy forbids. The example is dangerous to legiti- 
macy / " Oh ! imperial hypocrites ! The cause of man 
your care ! The cause of Freedom become the cause of 
Kings !" Sooner would we drink the dew from the rock in 
the desert', than entrust our liberty to your Holy protection. 

Hl-fated Greece justly claims deliverance from Turkish 
bondage, and asks the priviledge of self-government. For 



tiiis she contends. This is the head and front of her oifend- 
ing : and, (in the estimation of Christian Europe) by this she 
has forfeited the rights of Christianity, and all title to the 
sympathies of humanity. May the Genius of Liberty nerve, 
the arm of every Greek in defence of his country's rights ! 
May the God of Battles avenge their cause, and crown their 
glorious struggle with victory and triumph ! 

Masonry too, whose well known principles of Charity and 
Benevolence ought to ensure corresponding sentiments of 
complacency and approbation from all the wise and the good, 
has been visited in Europe with the angry denunciations of 
jealous despots. Lodges have been closed by royal authori- 
ty, and Masons denied the innocent priviledge of meeting to- 
gether as Brethren, united in the heavenly work of relieving 
the distressed, and administering comfort to the afflicted ! 
Have you heard, and do you credit these things ? Whilst 
you commiserate the wretched and degraded state of man, 
the miserable subjects of despotism, learn the inestimable 
value of a Free Republican Government. Watch over your 
rights with unceasing attention — remember that our country 
is the last Asylum of Liberty. Her fair Temple is erected in 
this happy land, and its doors are expanded to invite and re- 
ceive the weary and oppressed of every nation. Whilst we 
enjoy the numerous blessings which accompany Liberty 
and independence, let us ever remember with gratitude those 
who " bore the burden and heat of the day/' during the ar- 



duous struggle of the Revolution ; who had no couch hut the 
cold earth, no pillow hut the sword. As Masons, we can 
never cease to venerate the name of Washington ; our illus- 
trious Brother, the friend and Benefactor of the human race. 

Other characters also claim our respect and merit our 
esteem. Other occasions do honor to the living. This day 
is sacred to the memory of the dead. To the Philosopher 
and the Poet we are indebted for those productions of scien- 
tific labour that enrich the mind with useful knowledge, 
and ennoble and exalt the finest feelings of man. But as 
systems of Philosophy change, and Taste varies with suc- 
ceeding ages, their fame is transitory, and the lustre of 
their names fades with the lapse of time. The warrior of 
Liberty, the distinguished Patriot, the incorruptible States- 
man, whose united labours have rescued a nation from bondage 
and established a government on principles calculated to ren- 
der man as happy as his imperfect nature will admit, shall 
live forever in the Hearts of their countrymen, and posterity 
to the latest ages shall do honor to their names. 

On the anniversary of the Birth day of him, whom Chris- 
tians recognized as a zealous defender of their Master's cause, 
and Masons loved as their exalted Brother, let our feelings 
be worthy of the event we celebrate. And whilst as Breth- 
ren we indulge in humble contemplation of the Beauty of our 
order, whicli Washington once animated by his presence and 

B 



10 



his counsel, let the Incense of our gratitude ascend to the 
Grand Master of the universe, for continuing to us those 
glorious Lights which irradiate the path of our earthly pil- 
grimage. 

To those, who, ignorant of the true principles of Masonry, 
apprehend tliat our order is dangerous to the peace of society, 
or unfriendly to Religion, we answer with becoming pride, 
Washington was a Mason. Such he lived, sucli he died. 
In his character behold the fruits of those divine principles 
of Philanthrophy and universal Benevolence, which are the 
characteristics of Masons, and are inculcated and cherished 
by the Society with peculiar care and zeal. Principles, 
which, when -properly cultivated and practically exhibited in 
our intercourse with the world, render man more exempla- 
ry, more virtuous ; obedient to the commands of his God ; 
just to his neighbour, faithful to his friend. Under the in- 
fluence of these principles, man feels and acts as the Brother 
of man. His deportment is courteous, his morals are pure, 
his whole conduct is actuated by a Spirit of Benevolence. 
In the character of Washington, these traits were eminently 
conspicuous. He was a Christian : Not in word only, but 
in heart and in Deed. He lived not for himself, but for the 
benefit of mankind. 

When in this land of universal toleration, the enthusias- 
tic Bigot, arrogating the prerogative to set up his Theory, 



11 



as the sole standard of Faith and Virtue, and fired witli 
the spirit of persecution, that has so often disgraced the name 
and wounded the cause of religion, fulminates his anathemas 
against Masonry; Point him to the tombs of Washington, 
Franklin and Warren. Tell him, each was a Grand Master 
of our order ; bid him read their history, in a nation's vene- 
ration, gratitude and love. Tell him further, that when he 
shall have done half the good to mankind tliat each of them 
did, we will pardon his arrogance and commiserate his weak- 
ness. Until then, he must stand rebuked, confounded and 
self-condemned before the majesty of those names that con- 
vict him of the basest Calumny. 

Masonry tolerates no pharisaical ostentation. She arro- 
gates not for her sons that unsullied purity, which is to be 
found in the character o%Him alone, whom Masons worship as 
the only pure and Holy Being. Equally deprecating the one, 
and disclaiming all unhallowed pretensions to the other, she 
inculcates those principles of Christian meekness, charity and 
fraternal love, which are recognized by the Author of our re- 
ligion, as the indications of a regenerated heart. Her rites, 
her mystic ceremonies, although to the gazing multitude un- 
intelligible and unmeaning, are founded upon the basis of im- 
mutable truth. The appeal of a Brother, whilst unobserved, 
lie conveys the evidence of his title to receive the benefits of 
the Craft, ever meets a Cordial welcome, which encourages 
him to repose with confidence on the generous sympathy of a 

L.of C. 



12 



friend. No air of conscious' superiority ever taints the sa- 
cre ' duties of charity. To spare and to sooth the feelings of 
a distressed Brother, is the characteristic of all who have 
rightly studied the principles of Masonry. The humhle Laz- 
arus, sunk in the depths of wretchedness, gives the secret sig- 
nal of distress with an assurance of receiving that relief 
which his necessities demand. Against a deserving though 
unfortunate Brother, the door of a Lodge is never barred. 
When he asks admittance, and makes known his title, the 
voice of a Brother bids hira enter — There the language of 
comfort greets his ear, and hope revives, with the heart 
cheering reflection, that ** man, the Brother, lives the friend 
of man." 

When He, who now sits enthroned in eternal majesty, vis- 
ited in mercy our guilty world, he choose as the peculiar sub- 
jects of his grace, the destitute and the afflicted. In imita- 
tion of the exalted High Priest of our profession. Christians 
and Masons cordially unite. We feel for the infirmities of 
the afflicted, we sympathise with the sorrowful, and partici- 
pate in the grief of the mourner. Co-operating with the 
mild and heavenly principles of the gospel of peace, Masonry 
proclaims liberty to the captive, relieves the poor by its boun- 
ty, binds up the broken hearted. Charity and Faith are the 
credentials of a Mason's character. Hope the comforter of 
his advancing years. When, in the revolution of a few tran- 
sient suns, dissolving nature shall indicate the second coming 



of the " Prince of Peace," then shall the ** All-seeing eye" 
recognize with complacency, those who have ministered in 
faithfulness to the wants of the indigent, the fatherless and 
the widow, in " this his universal Temple." 

But however exalted and distinguished for purity of senti- 
ment and Benevolence of design, Masonry, breathing good- 
will to man in every clime and every region of the earth, has 
had to combat the assaults of prejudice and ignorance. Like 
Christianity, she has drank deeply and oft of the waters of 
bitterness. And like Christianity, she has suffered persecu- 
tion from Hypocrites under the mask of Religion. But the 
threatning cloud of annihilation has afterwards subsided, and 
the peaceful serenity of a summer sky has ushered m the glo- 
rious triumph of her sacred system. We have witnessed in 
this enliglitened age, with pity and regret, the foul efforts 
which have been made and are still renewedly exerted to ar- 
rest the dissemination of her tenets. But they have been and 
will be unavailing. He who controuls the storms of the na- 
tural world, will say in the extremity of relentless persecu- 
tion, ** Peace : be still." 

The principles of Masonry ne«d not for their support the 
feeble aid of panegyric. Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty, 
are the Pillars of her stability. Her limits ara " the suburbs 
of creation, the wall whose battlements look o'er into tlift 
vale of non-existence." 



.14 



Let tlie Daughters of Columbia rejoice' in the prosperity 
of the Craft. Although our rules exclude them from the la- 
bours of a Lodge, it is because by their superior worth and 
delicacy, they are by nature destined for the more refined 
endearments of domestic life. To their virtues, we ever pay 
a vidlling homage. When assailed by the hand of violence 
or tlie tongue of rudeness, a Mason's arm is extended to 
avenge their cause, and rescue from insolence tlie sanctity of 
their character. In the loveliness of youth, and in the autumn 
of their years, we equally tender our protection and esteem. 
Whilst in grateful veneration, you teach the infant tongue to 
lisp the names of Wasliington, Franklin, and W^arren, the 
pride of America, remember that they are the brightest orna- 
ments of the Craft. He who has declared the Lodge to be 
*^ a Sanctuary for Brothers, an asylum for the Virtues,"* 
whose relics now repose in the silence of the hallowed tomb, 
claims for his surviving Brethren the approving smiles of in- 
nocence and merit. 

To you. Masons, whom, on this occasion, I have the ho- 
nour to address as a Band of Christian Philanthropists, sur- 
rounding the Tomb of a beloved and honour'd Brother, I can 
speak the language of consolation and encouragement. En- 
gaged as a society, in the same great work of benevolence, 
in which he was occupied whilst he lived, and to the purity of 

* General Washington's reply to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 



whose principles he bore testimony in liis latest years, we 
congratulate each other, that by his efforts, nobly seconded 
by other patriots, under the guidance and protection of an 
All-wise and merciful ProTidence, our country now enjoys 
national privileges and blessings, that demand from all, the 
most grateful adoration. Let the same pure spirit that ani- 
mated Washington in every station, animate each member of 
our Fraternity. He ever walk'd by the Level, acted upon 
the Square, and kept his passions within the Compass of tem- 
perance and moderation. He has finished his course with 
glory, received his reward in the admiration and love of the 
virtuous, and, we humbly trust, in the welcome of approba- 
tion before the Throne of the Great Grand Master on High. 
Go ye, and strive to do likewise. Persevere in well-doing ; 
your reward is sure. And although we cannot hope to at- 
tain that exalted Niche in the Temple of Fame inscribed <* to 
the most worthy," where the statue of our illustrious Brother 
has been placed by universal suffrage, let us endeavour to 
imitate his virtues, and follow his briglit example in the path 
of duty. By so doing, we shall best honour his memory, and 
through the influence of his far-spread reputation, recommend 
our order to the approbation of the Virtuous and the Good 
throughout the world. 

FIKISi 



16 



The Brethren then testified their respect and adoration to 
their Supreme Chrand Master, by uniting in the solemn^ mystic 

rite of " f H^EE TIMES THREE. 



»» 



